Faro Tourism

The attractive city of Faro is the capital and administrative centre of the Algarve region in Portugal. It has many interesting places to be visited particularly the old part of the town still surrounded by the Roman walls which date back to the 9th century. Majority of Faro’s attraction is due to the old buildings constructed in the second half of the 18th century, after a devastating earthquake hit the town in 1755. A few Moorish and Roman ruins belonging to the 13th century also add to the town’s attractions. In addition to its architectural beauty, Faro offers an affluence of fine beaches, restaurants and cafés, and a beautiful Italianate theatre hosting various art and cultural programs. This region is a paradise for golfers with as many as 19 courses on the coastal stretch between Faro and Albufeira.


The walls that surrounded the town in Moorish and medieval times and the vestiges of the past can still to be seen in churches and museums of Faro. The refreshing greenery of gardens beside the lagoon and the sea, the outline of noble residences that bear witness to Faro's splendor in the past centuries give Faro a contemporary as well as ethnic touch. Winding alleys bordered with whitewashed houses recall the town's Moorish heritage and are among the sights to be savored by foot around Faro. All and all Faro is a city with lots to see, enjoy and remember.

> PLACES AROUND FARO:

At a short distance, to the west of the town, lies The Ria Formosa lagoon that is separated from the sea by long streaks of sand dunes. The lagoon also has a huge nature reserve of over 17000 hectares and resting place for hundreds of different migratory birds. Together with nature and the calmness & solace of the sea Ria Formosa is a paradise for everyone who enjoy the 3S’s i.e. Sun, Sand, Sea with an added advantage of having a choice over an assortment of separate islands, with miles and miles of isolated sandy beaches.

> Praia de Farol:

It is a spectacular 7 Km beach with miles of golden sand beach has ample facilities for water sports like windsurfing. A bus or a ferry ride from near the Arco da Porta Nova will get you here easily. Take a refreshing swim in the cool waters of the Mediterranean before heading off to one of the numerous cafés and restaurants that line the coast.

Further down to the north of this village is the town of Santa Barbára de Nexe with a Bronze Age fort located on the hill top nearby.

> Guia

It is a small village, established during Roman times and was called Alfontes (meaning beyond the water spring) by the Arabs, is located near the highway No.125, about six kms away from Albufeira. Guia is one of the county’s three communities on the Algarve coastline, and is the site of the chapel of Nossa Sr da Guia where the Virgin Mary once appeared. The village got its religious origin from the existence of this chapel, which was built prior to the 16th century. This ancient chapel one time drew masses of pilgrims from all over the Algarve to make their promises to the Virgin Mary, which according to tradition gave rise to the annual Guia Fair held in mid October, in the chapel premises.

> Ilha de Faro
The island of Ilha de Barreta is truly calm and private. The island is connected to the mainland by a road, and its central area comprises of beach houses, restaurants and other tourist facilities. The fact that there are no regular ferry connections makes this island a quiet and peaceful holiday destination and an excellent spot for all those who own or have a hired boat to enjoy the blissful of sea and sand at their scenic best away from other tourists. The beaches apart from the fishermen’s cabins offer nothing but sand and serenity...

> Culatra
A fishing village by occupation, Culatra has an extensive beach which is calm, with a family atmosphere adorning it. Standard steam boat services are available to Culatra beaches from Faro and Olhão.

> Estoi
Visiting this ancient village will give you a sneak peek into the traditional character of the Algarve. The streets, the houses with whitewashed walls, crouched chimneys and luscious green gardens full of foliage, remind you much of the conventional Algarve.

> Estoi Palace (Palacio do Visconde de Estoi) :

The palace was a romantic fantasy of a scion from one of the most distinguished families of the Algarve nobility which came true in this form. The owner was inspired to build a country house bordered by gardens in gorgeous natural settings. The owner opted for a style which blended the neo-baroque and "neo-rococo" elements. After years of neglect, The Viscount of Estoi gave the palace its much awaited face uplift and make over to what one sees today.
The palace is a huge building, with its exterior partly embodied with tiles bearing floral decoration and depicting a variety of scenes. Inside the palace you see the finest Algarve decoration on the plastered ceilings. Also worth a mention is the similar craftsmanship you see in the chapel, the hall, the reception and the two tea pavilions.
A small temple containing a waterfall and a statue of the Three Graces on a shell make their presence felt at the very entrance of the palace and the statues of Venus and Diana are seen standing in well kept niches. The gardens are set out on different levels with flights of steps separating each level. The garden is beautified in a perfect cordial fashion with lakes, statues of marble and pottery scattered all over the area making it a picture perfect romantic spot.

> The Roman ruins at Milreu :
A large farmhouse in the 1st century a vast and luxurious "villa" in the 3rd century with rows of arranged living quarters one needs can imagine what grandeur these ruins must have held during their days of prosperity. The "villa" floors were covered in mosaics bearing a variety of designs with its own baths and striking mosaics adorned with marine motifs. Today on the ruins stands a lonely 16th century house with its ramparts.

> Santa Barbára de Nexe:
The presence of a Bronze Age hill fort in its vicinity which was later used by both the Phoenicians and the Romans give you an idea about how ancient this settlement is. Fields and hills enveloped in lush trees and foliage this village is worth a visit.

> Conceição:

Single storey houses, with their doors and windows painted out in lively and vivid colors and the frontage of the houses bordered with methodically-designs lend Conceição the appeal of a classic Algarve village. It has a church to be visited apart from the scenic beauty of the village. The renowned luxurious holiday resorts Quinta do Lago and Vale de Lobo are located to the west of Faro which provide 7 top quality golf courses, tennis centers, riding schools, hotels, holiday resorts and villas for a comfortable stay.

The small town of Almancil close to Faro is where you can visit the church of São Lourenço de Matos renown for its 18th Century blue tiles.

> Handicrafts
Faro is an ideal place to explore the colorful world of Algarvian crafts. Tiles decorated with traditional motifs are produced locally. Further inland, in Santa Barbara de Nexe and Estoi, the womenfolk still weave and plait palm leaves to make baskets, hats and mats.

> Gastronomy
Be prepared to put on those extra calories if you want to taste the real Algarve flavor. The entire cuisine of Algarve comprising of almost all the best known dishes sea food being the regional specialty can be tasted in Faro. For those who like sea food should sample the local fish soup and the traditional razor clam risotto. Apart from sea food one can spend hours in just choosing from one of the many local cakes and desserts which are unique in their taste due to extensive use of local figs and almonds. The best way to put the finishing touches to a meal is a glass of fig brandy or "Medronho", a drink made with of strawberry.